We are so excited to learn that the cherry blossoms will be blooming
early again this year, right when you will be here for Legislative Day!
As you know, the folks here in the DMV (District, Maryland &
Virginia) are crazy for our cherry blossoms! According to the
Washington Post, “for the third year in a row, cherry blossoms are
likely to reach peak bloom on the early side in Washington. Already,
green color has emerged in the buds at the Tidal Basin, indicating the
bloom process has initiated, somewhat earlier than normal.”

February is National Heart Month and I think it’s important to be reminded that making small changes now can lead towards a healthier lifestyle. There are a few tips from the American Heart Association to help you on your way towards a heart-healthy diet:

I recently found myself with a dead cellphone battery and without a
cellphone charger. It meant no texting, checking messages, looking at
pictures of my dogs, Google fact checking or playing Words With Friends
until I could get to a place where I could charge my phone. It made me
realize how dependent I have become on my cellphone.

December seems to be a whirlwind month. No sooner than the Halloween
decorations are on sale in the craft stores, their aisles are filled
with seasonal trimmings and we are immersed in the holidays.
Thanksgiving seems to be less relevant and all the emphasis is on
Christmas.

There are many exercise options out there, but the easiest and one of
the best is right outside your front door. No gym membership or special
equipment is needed, because one of the easiest exercise options we
have is walking.

We hope you are making plans to attend the upcoming 2017 Annual National
Institute at Opryland Resort in Nashville, October. 18-20. To help
get you in the mood, here’s some local trivia you may find interesting.

D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals finally issued a decision in ACA
International, et al. v. FCC regarding the FCC’s Omnibus 2015 TCPA
Declaratory Ruling and Order. The Court granted in part and denied in
part the petitions for review.

Bottom line: Very good for us.
The decision strikes down the worst parts of the FCC order and
immediately enhances certain defensive arguments against litigation. It
also provides a clear runway for the current FCC to adopt clear,
favorable interpretations and bright-line rules. And to finally address
our pending petition on healthcare consent issues.

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) Urges Senate to Continue Essential 340B Drug Program by Passing H.R. 4392

Fairfax, VA - Friday, March 16, the United States Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension Committee held a hearing entitled Perspectives on the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The 340B drug program has come under scrutiny in recent months by some, how hospitals participating in this program are using proceeds from these prescription drug savings.